Chinese idiom · 成语
美轮美奂
Meaning
Magnificent and beautifully adorned, especially of buildings and interiors.
Character by character
Origin and story
Historical anecdoteThe Book of Rites (礼记), in Tan Gong II, describes the completion of a new residence for Zhao Wu of Jin, also called Xian Wenzi. Visiting dignitaries attend the occasion, and Zhang Lao admires the building's scale and splendor. He adds that this will be the place for singing, mourning, and gathering the clan—placing the magnificent house within the ceremonies of a lifetime.
Zhao Wu answers that being able to live out those occasions would mean preserving himself whole until he joins his ancestors, and bows respectfully. The idiom condenses Zhang Lao's praise. It particularly suits impressive buildings and beautiful interiors, rather than every kind of attractive object.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
修复后的老剧院美轮美奂，连大厅的天花板都值得细看。
The restored theatre is magnificent; even the lobby ceiling deserves a close look.
Especially suited to splendid architecture and interiors.